Anambra State Government has withdrawn certificate of recognition issued to the traditional ruler of Umuona, Aguata Local Government Area, Mr. Humphrey Ejesieme.
The state Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, announced this in a statement made available to the press.
Umuona Traditional Ruler Anambra
Mr. Nwabunwanne, who noted that the dethronement is in line with Section 10(b) of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Amendment law 2020, explained that the state government decided to withdraw the certificate from the former traditional ruler because of his continuous interference in the leadership of Umuona Progressive Union and threat to peace, security, law and order in the community.
He enumerated many instances the former traditional ruler got involved in misconduct not befitting his office to including the invasion of the annual general meeting of the town union with armed thugs on twenty-eight December, 2022, dissolution of elected town union executives and setting up of a caretaker committee, which he personally inaugurated and sworn into office, while several attempts by the ministry, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to call him to order were rebuffed.
The commissioner, while disclosing that the ministry equally issued a warning letter to him on thirtieth December, 2022, to retrace his steps without any positive result, noted that his actions and interferences have escalated disunity, instability and become threat to peace, security and development in the community.
He reminded him that it is a criminal offence by virtue of sections 19 and 20 of Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ law 2007, for him to carry out any of the functions of the traditional ruler of Umuona or address or portray himself as the traditional ruler of the community.
The Commissioner disclosed that the president general of Umuona, Chairman of the state Traditional Rulers’ Council, Transition Committee Chairman for Aguata Local Government Council, Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 13 and Anambra State Commissioner of Police, have all been notified of the state government decision.
(Source: aprokorepublic.ng)
